Friday 11 November 2016 15:55, UK
England kick-off their Old Mutual Wealth Series on Saturday against a side they have failed to beat in 10 years.
South Africa have won 11 of the 12 Tests between the countries since 2006, including the 2007 World Cup final.
However, the Springboks have struggled since reaching last year's World Cup semi-finals and come into Saturday's Twickenham clash on the back of a record home defeat to New Zealand and late draw against the Barbarians.
England, on the other hand, are on an upward curve and boast a 100 per cent record under Eddie Jones. They will look to build on their Six Nations Grand Slam success and series whitewash of Australia as they seek an 11th successive win.
The nations have served up some memorable contests in the autumn internationals over the years. Here are five of our favourite Twickenham Tests…
South Africa are renowned for their physicality but they completely lost their discipline against Clive Woodward's men and were duly punished as they fell to their heaviest ever defeat.
Lock Jannes Labuschagne was red-carded after 23 minutes for a late barge on Jonny Wilkinson, one of a number of "cheap shots" that left Woodward and the England coaching staff fuming.
The England players kept their composure in difficult circumstances and played some inspirational rugby, running in seven tries in a one-sided 53-3 victory.
Will Greenwood scored twice and Lawrence Dallaglio brought England past the half-century mark when he dotted down from a dominant five-metre scrum.
"The Springboks went a mile over the line today," said England assistant coach Phil Larder. "We were always prepared for our key players to be put under pressure but I was surprised by the severity of it.
"To me the game's all about winning, not putting opposition players in a heap over the sideline."
Charlie Hodgson led England to their sixth successive win over the Boks as he scored 27 points in a 32-16 victory.
The fly-half registered a 'full house' - scoring a try, five penalties, two conversions and a drop goal - with Mark Cueto also touching down for Andy Robinson's side.
Bryan Habana crossed for a late try on his Test debut but Springboks coach Jake White admitted his side were outclassed by a "superb" England performance.
"It looked like men against boys at times and these guys are not world champions for nothing," said White.
"The score probably flattered us a bit and if England had kept the heat on it could have been worse."
Phil Vickery's late try gave England a narrow 23-21 victory over the Boks and avoided a record eighth successive Test defeat.
England trailed 18-6 after tries on either side of half-time by Butch James and Akona Ndungane, with fly-half Hodgson forced off injured shortly before the interval.
But the home side capitalised on the sin-binning of Jean de Villiers, Cueto showing quick reactions to touch down after Andy Goode lost the ball while diving for the line, and Vickery barged over late doors to snatch victory.
"That was for everyone involved in English rugby," said Robinson. "It has been tough but everyone kept their composure."
The sides met again at Twickenham the following weekend and South Africa prevailed 25-14, sparking the 12-game unbeaten streak against the English.
Having been criticised for declining kicks at goal during England's loss to Australia the week previous, Chris Robshaw again came under fire against the Boks.
With less than three minutes remaining and England trailing by four points, Robshaw instructed Owen Farrell to go for goal instead of an attacking line-out, much to the fly-half's disbelief.
"I thought there would be enough time to go back down there and kick a drop goal," said Robshaw afterwards.
There wasn't, and replays showed Robshaw asking referee Nigel Owens if he was allowed to change his call. South Africa held on for a 16-15 victory thanks to Willem Alberts' fortuitous try and 11 points from Patrick Lambie.
This defeat was quickly forgotten the following weekend as England produced arguably their best performance under Stuart Lancaster to beat the All Blacks.
Three second-half tries were not enough as England fell to a 31-28 loss against South Africa.
Danny Care had a moment to forget on his 50th England appearance when his pass was intercepted by Jan Serfontein for the opening try, and a lovely dink over the top by Lambie saw Cobus Reinach cross just 43 seconds after the restart.
England's maul yielded two tries while Victor Matfield was in the bin but the Boks responded with a try from a maul of their own, Schalk Burger the scorer.
Dylan Hartley was yellow-carded for a stamp on Duane Vermeulen and that allowed South Africa to extend their lead to eight points, Brad Barritt's try coming too late as England fell to a fifth consecutive loss.
Watch England v South Africa live on Sky Sports 1 HD on Saturday from 2pm. Catch all four of England's Old Mutual Wealth Series fixtures for £25 with NOW TV. No contract.
